AMERICA - The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to open Tuesday, September 8, at UN Headquarters in New York, beginning a new year of work for the 193-member body.
The opening plenary is scheduled for 3 p.m. New York time and will be presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, who was elected president of the 81st session in June.
Opening Day to Begin New Session
September 8 marks the formal opening of the new General Assembly session. The UN's provisional agenda confirms that the 81st regular session will convene at UN Headquarters on Tuesday.
The opening meeting is separate from the high-level General Debate, during which heads of state and government deliver national statements.
The General Debate of the 81st session is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28, according to the official General Debate schedule.
High-Level Meetings Ahead
The opening of the session will be followed later in September by a series of high-level meetings addressing issues on the Assembly's wider programme.
According to the UN's provisional calendar, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Moment is scheduled for September 18, followed by the General Debate beginning September 22. The programme also includes high-level meetings on issues including development, climate action, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness.
World leaders are expected to gather in New York during the high-level week as the Assembly begins its annual cycle of debate and negotiations. The UN has described the session as an opportunity to advance international cooperation and address major global challenges.
Rahman to Lead 81st Session
Rahman will preside over the Assembly throughout the 81st session after being elected by member states in June.
His election came as member states stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and bringing international cooperation back on course.
The opening on September 8 will therefore mark the formal beginning of the Assembly's new session, while the major political exchanges involving world leaders are set to take place later this month during the General Debate.
